Despite Controversy, Group Urges Recognition for Accrediting Agency

WASHINGTON--A federal advisory panel last week called for continued
federal recognition for the Middle States Association of Colleges and
Schools' Commission on Higher Education, despite that regional
accrediting agency's controversial policy of requiring colleges and
universities to meet a cultural-diversity standard.

The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Accreditation and
Eligibility recommended that the recognition be extended only for four
years, rather than the usual five, however, and imposed additional
reporting requirements on the commission.

Under the recommendation, the Education Department would require
Middle States to submit annual reports on any actions taken against
postsecondary institutions because of the diversity standard.

In response to one specific incident, the federal advisory panel
also urged that the commission be required to report on any future
conflict-of-interest problems.

The advisory committee's recommendation, passed by a 6-to-2 vote
with two abstentions, will now be forwarded to Secretary of Education
Lamar Alexander, who will make the final decision on federal
recognition for the agency.

A department spokesman said it may take up to four months for the
Secretary to make the decision, although a Middle States official said
Mr. Alexander has promised a quick reply.

Federal recognition is critical because colleges and universities
must receive accreditation by a federally approved agency to
participate in federal student-financial-aid programs. The Middle
States commission accredits 505 member schools in the mid-Atlantic
states.

Diversity Standard Clarified

Mr. Alexanders decision will culminate months of political uproar
over the diversity standard, which caused the Secretary last April to
remand the Middle States application for recognition back to the
advisory committee for further study. (See Education Week, Nov. 27,
1991.)

The standard requires colleges and universities to bring more gender
and racial equity to their governing boards, professoriates, and
student bodies.

Several members of the federal advisory panel cited changes recently
approved by Middle States in the diversity standard as the basis for
their willingness to recommend recognition. In December, the Middle
States membership adopted language stating that an institution cannot
lose accreditation solely on the basis of failing to meet a diversity
standard and that such standards will be developed by each institution
in accordance with its mission.

"That mission-centeredness is crucial," said Sister Mary Andrew
Matesich, a member of the federal panel.

Middle States officials were pleased with the result.

"Over time, we've tried to clarify our position, and given the vote
today I think we've been at least partially successful," said Carolyn
Press Landis, the vice chairman of the Middle States Commission on
Higher Education.

Vol. 11, Issue 21, Page 25

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